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Home » Recipe Collections

29 Comfort Foods So Easy, They Practically Cook Themselves

Published: Oct 26, 2024 by Shruthi · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

When it comes to comfort food, simple and cozy meals are what everyone craves, especially on those busy days. With easy recipes that almost cook themselves, comfort food becomes even more accessible, letting anyone enjoy flavorful meals without a big fuss. Just toss a few ingredients together, and let these easy recipes do the work to deliver the comfort of home-cooked meals every time.

Cheesy beef casserole with cauliflower rice and spinach being spooned out of a baking dish.
Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Slow Cooker Ham & Potato Chowder

A blue bowl of ham and potato soup.
Slow Cooker Ham & Potato Chowder. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

Filling and easy, Slow Cooker Ham & Potato Chowder takes care of itself while you go about your day. This chowder practically cooks itself, so there’s barely any work involved. Ideal for a busy schedule, it’s ready whenever you are. Just let the slow cooker do its job, and enjoy a hearty bowl.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Ham & Potato Chowder

Chicken Wild Rice Soup

A bowl of chicken wild rice soup.
Chicken Wild Rice Soup. Photo credit: The Honour System.

Easy and straightforward, Chicken Wild Rice Soup is a comforting meal that comes together with minimal prep. This soup practically cooks itself, making it perfect for when you’re short on time. Just set it up and let it simmer for a cozy dish. Great for a busy day when you want something warm with no hassle.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Wild Rice Soup

Mac & Beer Cheese in a Mini Pretzel Bowl

Mac beer chese in a mini pretzel bowl with a fork in a plate.
Mac & Beer Cheese in a Mini Pretzel Bowl. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

An easy and fun option, Mac & Beer Cheese in a Mini Pretzel Bowl brings comfort food to the table with almost no prep needed. This dish practically cooks itself, so you can enjoy it with very little effort. Perfect for gatherings or a quick dinner, it’s a unique way to enjoy a familiar favorite. Just bake and serve for an easy, filling treat.
Get the Recipe: Mac & Beer Cheese in a Mini Pretzel Bowl

Instant Pot Tortellini Soup

A bowl of tortellini soup sits on a rustic wooden cutting board with a yellow linen and a bunch of parsley.
Instant Pot Tortellini Soup. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Quick and hearty, Instant Pot Tortellini Soup is a meal that practically cooks itself with almost no prep needed. This dish is ready in minutes, making it perfect for busy nights. Just set it in the Instant Pot, and it’ll be ready to serve soon. An easy way to enjoy a filling meal with minimal time.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Tortellini Soup

Cheesy Cabbage Beef Casserole

Cabbage beef casserole inside cast iron.
Cheesy Cabbage Beef Casserole. Photo credit: Low Carb - No Carb.

Simple and filling, Cheesy Cabbage Beef Casserole makes a cozy dinner that doesn’t require much time in the kitchen. This casserole practically cooks itself in the oven, making it ideal for busy days. Just a little prep, and it’s ready to bake. Perfect for nights when you need a hearty meal without the hassle.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Cabbage Beef Casserole

Creamy Chicken & Wild Rice Soup

Two bowls of creamy chicken & wild rice soup on a wooden table.
Creamy Chicken & Wild Rice Soup. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Simple to make and hearty, Creamy Chicken & Wild Rice Soup combines familiar flavors for an easy, comforting meal. The soup practically cooks itself on the stove, needing little supervision. It’s perfect for busy days when a quick, warming option is needed. Just let it simmer, and it’s ready to enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Chicken & Wild Rice Soup

Cheesy Eggplant and Tomato Baked Stacks

Overhead image of cheesy eggplant and tomato baked stacks on two plates.
Cheesy Eggplant and Tomato Baked Stacks. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

Easy and comforting, Cheesy Eggplant and Tomato Baked Stacks are a great option when you want something baked without much prep. This dish practically cooks itself in the oven, giving you more time to relax. With just a few ingredients, it brings a simple flavor that fits any meal. Great for adding something fresh and easy to the menu.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Eggplant and Tomato Baked Stacks

Creamy Butternut Squash Apple Soup

A bowl of butternut squash soup with a spoon on a colorful blue and white plate.
Creamy Butternut Squash Apple Soup. Photo credit: Renee Nicole's Kitchen.

Smooth and comforting, Creamy Butternut Squash Apple Soup brings simple flavors together in a quick, easy soup. This recipe practically cooks itself, making it a perfect choice for a cozy night. It’s great for busy schedules, requiring little prep time. Perfect to have on hand when you want a warm bowl in no time.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Butternut Squash Apple Soup

Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole

Chicken bacon ranch casserole in baking dish.
Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Loaded with comforting flavors, Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole makes an easy dinner without much prep. This dish combines favorite ingredients that come together in one casserole for a filling meal. It’s a simple option that practically cooks itself, letting the oven do most of the work. Perfect for busy evenings, this casserole is ready to enjoy with little effort.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole

Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach

Cheesy beef casserole with cauliflower rice and spinach being spooned out of a baking dish.
Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

A hearty option, Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach is packed with easy flavors that require little work. This casserole practically cooks itself, leaving you with a filling dish with almost no prep. It’s perfect for weeknights when you need something quick. Just pop it in the oven, and you’re ready to eat.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach

Copycat Pasta e Fagioli Soup

Two bowls of Copycat Pasta e Fagioli Soup.
Copycat Pasta e Fagioli Soup. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Inspired by a classic restaurant dish, Copycat Pasta e Fagioli Soup brings hearty, familiar flavors to the table with ease. This soup practically cooks itself, giving you a cozy meal with minimal effort. Perfect for a quick lunch or dinner, it’s a comforting choice on chilly days. Enjoy a warm bowl without spending hours in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Pasta e Fagioli Soup

Creamy Chicken Alfredo Casserole

Penne and chicken in a casserole dish with pesto and cheese.
Creamy Chicken Alfredo Casserole. Photo credit: Not Entirely Average.

Combining creamy flavors and minimal prep, Creamy Chicken Alfredo Casserole is perfect for a no-stress meal. This casserole is easy to put together, making it a go-to option for busy days. It practically cooks itself in the oven, creating a warm dish with little hands-on work. Great for when you want comfort food without extra effort.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Chicken Alfredo Casserole

Chicken and Gnocchi Soup

A bowl of chicken and gnocchi soup with a spoon in it.
Chicken and Gnocchi Soup. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Filled with easygoing flavors, Chicken and Gnocchi Soup is great for when you want something comforting but simple. This soup doesn’t need a lot of attention and practically cooks itself, leaving time for other tasks. Ideal for a quick meal, it’s a filling option when you want warmth without fuss. Perfect for a relaxing night at home.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Gnocchi Soup

Butternut Squash Lasagna

Close-up image of butternut squash vegetarian lasagna on a plate.
Butternut Squash Lasagna. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

A comforting choice, Gluten-Free Vegetarian Butternut Squash Lasagna is a no-fuss dish that suits any meal plan. It practically cooks itself, so there’s less to worry about on busy nights. This lasagna combines easy ingredients for a filling, simple dinner. Just pop it in the oven and let it do the work.
Get the Recipe: Butternut Squash Lasagna

Chicken Tortellini Soup

A bowl of chicken tortellini soup with vegetables and herbs.
Chicken Tortellini Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Cozy and filling, Chicken Tortellini Soup brings a balanced mix of easy flavors to any meal. This soup practically cooks itself, making it a quick choice for busy days. It’s great for when you need a fast, warming dish without a lot of work. Just let it simmer and it’s ready to go.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortellini Soup

Baked Cauliflower Mac and Cheese

A picture of baked cauliflower mac and cheese in cast iron skillet on wooden table.
Baked Cauliflower Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Primal Edge Health.

A simple, easy twist on a favorite, Baked Cauliflower Mac and Cheese keeps things comforting with minimal prep. This dish practically cooks itself in the oven, making it ideal for busy days. It’s a fun way to enjoy something familiar without much work. Just bake it and enjoy a quick, comforting meal.
Get the Recipe: Baked Cauliflower Mac and Cheese

Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup

A white bowl with chicken noodle soup topped with fresh herbs.
Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup. Photo credit: fANNEtastic food.

Made for ease, Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup is a hands-off option that brings comforting flavors with little prep. This soup practically cooks itself in the slow cooker, perfect for busy schedules. Just set it up and let it cook while you go about your day. A classic, cozy option that’s ready whenever you are.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup

Eggplant Casserole

Top view of eggplant casserolee in a pan.
Eggplant Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

A straightforward dish, Eggplant Casserole brings a simple mix of flavors to the table with minimal prep. This casserole practically cooks itself, needing only a quick set-up before it’s ready to bake. Perfect for busy nights, it’s a comforting option that’s easy to pull together. Just let it bake and enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Eggplant Casserole

Slow Cooker Butternut Soup

Overhead image of slow cooker butternut squash soup in a bowl.
Slow Cooker Butternut Soup. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Ideal for hands-off cooking, Slow Cooker Butternut Soup makes a cozy meal with very little work. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, letting the soup practically cook itself. Perfect for busy days, it’s a great choice when you want something ready by dinnertime. Just set it and let the flavors come together on their own.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Butternut Soup

Stuffed Shells with Spinach and Ricotta

Stuffed shells in a cast iron skillet.
Stuffed Shells with Spinach and Ricotta. Photo credit: Renee Nicole's Kitchen.

A hearty and comforting option, Stuffed Shells with Spinach and Ricotta is a baked dish that requires minimal effort. The oven does most of the work, making this an easy choice for a satisfying dinner. With simple layers of flavor, it’s ready to serve with almost no fuss. Perfect for when you need a warm meal with little time involved.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Shells with Spinach and Ricotta

Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole

Hashbrown and hamburger casserole in white pan.
Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

Loaded with comforting ingredients, Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole brings an easy-to-love mix of flavors to the table. This casserole practically cooks itself in the oven, needing only minimal prep time. Great for busy weeknights, it’s a filling choice that’s ready in a flash. Simply bake and serve for a meal that feels complete.
Get the Recipe: Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole

Creamy Tomato and Sausage Penne

Two pasta bowls filled with penne and chunks of sausage and tomatoes.
Creamy Tomato and Sausage Penne. Photo credit: Not Entirely Average.

The flavors in Creamy Tomato and Sausage Penne come together effortlessly, making it a reliable go-to meal. This pasta dish practically cooks itself, so you get a comforting bowl of pasta with minimal work. With just a few simple steps, it’s perfect for busy days. Enjoy a meal that’s filling and easy with barely any prep.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Tomato and Sausage Penne

Coconut Pumpkin Soup

A woman holding a bowl of pumpkin soup with coconut cream.
Coconut Pumpkin Soup. Photo credit: Primal Edge Health.

Rich and easy, Coconut Pumpkin Soup brings a smooth texture to the table without much effort. This soup practically cooks itself, so you can have a bowl ready with minimal prep. Perfect for a quick meal, it’s a cozy option for busy nights. Just let it cook, and enjoy it fresh.
Get the Recipe: Coconut Pumpkin Soup

Penne Pasta Bake

A wooden spoon scooping a portion of penne pasta bake.
Penne Pasta Bake. Photo credit: The Honour System.

Easy to prep and comforting, Penne Pasta Bake is a classic that fits any meal without much effort. This bake practically cooks itself in the oven, giving you time to relax. It’s a great choice for a busy weeknight when you want a quick meal. Just set it up and let it bake to perfection.
Get the Recipe: Penne Pasta Bake

Roasted Curried Beet Soup

Glass bowl filled with healthy beet soup and topped with chickpeas.
Roasted Curried Beet Soup. Photo credit: Fitasamamabear.

For an easy twist, Roasted Curried Beet Soup combines simple flavors that come together effortlessly. This soup practically cooks itself, letting the stove do the work while you unwind. It’s perfect for nights when you want something different with minimal prep. Just cook, and it’s ready to serve.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Curried Beet Soup

White Chicken Chili

Two cast iron bowls filled with White Chicken Chili.
White Chicken Chili. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

White Chicken Chili is an easy way to get that comforting, hearty taste with very little time in the kitchen. This dish practically cooks itself, letting you focus on other things while it simmers. It’s ideal for busy days when you want a warm meal without any fuss. Perfect for a cozy, hands-off dinner.
Get the Recipe: White Chicken Chili

Penne al Baffo

A dish of penne al baffo topped with parsley.
Penne al Baffo. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Smooth and rich, Penne al Baffo is a creamy pasta dish that requires almost no effort to prepare. This meal practically cooks itself on the stove, making it a quick and easy option. Great for busy nights, it’s ready in minutes with barely any prep needed. Perfect for when you want pasta without a lot of work.
Get the Recipe: Penne al Baffo

Creamy Roasted Eggplant Soup

3 bowls of creamy roasted eggplant soup.
Creamy Roasted Eggplant Soup. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

Smooth and comforting, Creamy Roasted Eggplant Soup is a simple soup that’s easy to prepare. This dish practically cooks itself, needing very little hands-on time. It’s perfect for when you want a quick, cozy meal without any hassle. Just let it simmer and serve.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Roasted Eggplant Soup

Creamy Pumpkin Garlic Pasta with Tuscan Kale

Close-up of creamy pumpkin garlic pasta with tuscan kale in a bowl.
Creamy Pumpkin Garlic Pasta with Tuscan Kale. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Easy and flavorful, Creamy Pumpkin Garlic Pasta with Tuscan Kale makes a comforting dinner with minimal work. This pasta practically cooks itself, giving you a warm dish with very little time needed. Perfect for busy weeknights, it’s an effortless way to enjoy something filling. Just cook, serve, and enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Pumpkin Garlic Pasta with Tuscan Kale

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Hi, I'm Shruthi! I am the owner and blogger at Parallel Plates. I love everything about food, and I hope that you can find the best recipe inspiration, trends, hacks, and more here.

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